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Homeowners Embrace Prairie Lawns for Eco-Friendly, Low-Maintenance Alternative

Discover the beauty and benefits of prairie lawns. This eco-friendly alternative supports local wildlife and requires less water and care than traditional turf grass.

In this image there is a grassland.
In this image there is a grassland.

Homeowners Embrace Prairie Lawns for Eco-Friendly, Low-Maintenance Alternative

Homeowners are increasingly turning to prairie lawns as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional turf grass. This native, natural lawn requires an initial investment of time and money but offers long-term benefits and supports the local environment.

Converting a lawn to a prairie involves several steps. First, clear the existing vegetation, then till the soil. Choose native grasses and flowers, and provide initial water and mulch. Once established, a prairie lawn needs little care.

Prairies are native to the plains states and parts of the Midwest, with three types: shortgrass, mid- or mixed-grass, and tallgrass prairies. They are dominated by wild, native grasses with few or no trees or shrubs, thriving in rich soils, limited rainfall, cold winters, and hot summers. Unlike turf lawns, prairies support the natural environment by providing food sources, shelter, and nectar for pollinators, attracting native wildlife and promoting biodiversity.

A micro prairie yard, a way to create a lawn alternative, supports greater biodiversity, attracts pollinators, and requires less water and maintenance compared to a conventional lawn. While it may seem counterintuitive, replacing a lawn with a prairie can help restore the natural ecosystem once native across central North America. Homeowners are embracing this cost-effective, eco-friendly option, moving away from sterile turf lawns.

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